The difference between Child Safeguarding and Child Protection

Who Is Considered a Child?

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) established in 1989, a child is defined as any individual under the age of 18. The UNCRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, with 196 countries as signatories. The only exceptions are Somalia, South Sudan, and the USA.

Definitions of a child and related rights can vary by country.

The difference between Child Safeguarding and Child Protection

Understanding Protection

UNICEF defines child protection as preventing and responding to abuse, exploitation, violence, and neglect. This includes issues like trafficking, child labor, and harmful practices such as female genital cutting and child marriage. Effective protection ensures children can exercise their rights to survival, development, and participation.

Child Safeguarding

Child safeguarding involves all measures taken by an organization to ensure the safety of children in their care.

Types of Child Abuse and Exploitation

1. Emotional Abuse
2. Neglect
3. Physical Abuse
4. Sexual Abuse
5. Exploitation

Safeguarding vs. Protection

• Safeguarding (prevention): Aims to prevent harm to children and adults.
• Child Protection (response): Involves actions taken to protect children who are at risk of or have already experienced harm.

Safeguarding includes:

1. Preventing harm to health and development.
2. Protecting against abuse and maltreatment.
3. Ensuring safe and effective care for children.
4. Facilitating the best possible outcomes for all children and adults.

Why an Organization Needs a Child Protection Policy

• Protect Children: Ensure their safety and well-being.
• Protect Staff: Safeguard employees working with children.
• Enhance Credibility: Build trust with stakeholders and communities.
• Meet Contractual Obligations: Comply with requirements, such as those set by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which mandates partners to implement a compliant Child Protection Policy.

Core Principles of the UNCRC

1. Non-discrimination: Children should not face discrimination.
2. Best Interests of the Child: The child’s best interests must be a primary consideration in all actions.
3. Right to Survival and Development: Children have inherent rights to survive and thrive.
4. Right to Participation: Children should have a voice in decisions affecting them.

Categories of Child Rights

1. Right to Survival: This encompasses rights before birth, including access to food, shelter, and dignity.
2. Right to Protection: Children must be safeguarded from neglect, exploitation, and abuse.
3. Right to Participation: Children should be involved in decision-making processes that impact them.
4. Right to Development: Children are entitled to holistic development—emotional, mental, and physical.

 

Keyword: Types of Child Abuse and Exploitation, Child Safeguarding, Categories of Child Rights, Child Protection Vs Child Safeguarding,

Reference: UNCRC, UNICEF